From a Kiteboard to a Startup
The story behind anto
Every product has a story. For anto, it began in 2019 with a simple problem: transporting kiteboard gear by bicycle to get to the best wind conditions and remote spots.
Existing solutions often meant limited flexibility, and compromises that people had simply learned to accept. Rather than accepting them too, Karl began searching for a better way.
What followed were years of prototypes, testing, failures, and countless refinements that eventually led to anto. This is the story behind the product, and the engineering mindset that brought it to life.
We sat down with founder Karl to talk about that journey, from the first prototype and unexpected customer insights to the lessons learned while turning an idea into a company.
“No matter what you do, you'll always get one thing right and one thing wrong.”
— Karl Kronfeld
Over 1,000 hours went into design, manufacturing, and testing to continuously develop the original concept.
One of the biggest breakthroughs actually came from a friend. He suggested making the rack extendable instead of permanently long. This one idea made it significantly more practical in everyday use.
We also met cyclists who wanted the carrying capacity of a cargo bike without buying an entirely new bicycle. That became a defining insight. Instead of replacing your bike, you could simply upgrade it.
Only when functional prototypes existed did we begin to check if there was actually a market for it. As part of the BPW workshop program and with the support of Pauline Neuholz, a business plan was eventually created.
Swimming, kitesurfing, foiling, cycling, and spending time by the sea give me time to think. I've learned that good ideas rarely appear when you force them, they emerge when you slow down and stay curious.
My goal was to create a product designed to last for decades rather than a few years, with only minor replaceable components requiring maintenance over time.
While most bicycle racks are made from aluminum, alloy or standard steel, for anto stainless steel is specifically chosen because of its superior resistance to corrosion and long-term reliability.
anto is the result of a collaborative effort by engineers, researchers, students, manufacturers, brand and marketing experts, startup consultants, friends, and countless people who shared their experience with us.
It's about helping people get more out of the bike they already own. Instead of replacing an existing bike with a new cargo bike, cyclists can upgrade their existing bike. This extends its lifespan and reduces waste as well as unnecessary consumption.
That includes a rear-mounted kickstand for heavily loaded bicycles, improved fastening systems, and new accessories developed together with partners. Some of these products are created in cooperation with FAHRER Berlin.
“No matter what you do – you will always do something right and something wrong.”
anto isn't really about a bicycle rack.
It's about solving real problems through thoughtful engineering, learning from mistakes, and building products that people can rely on for years.